Exploring the Crops of the Northern Region-Dry Edible Beans
Dark Red Kidney Beans
Though the Northern region is known for growing many crops, few are as diverse as dry edible beans! Join us as we take a virtual tour covering the geography, nutritional value, and types of dry edible beans grown right here in the northern United States.
According to AgMRC, for the last two decades, North Dakota has consistently led the nation as the top producer of all dry edible beans. Currently, North Dakota produces 32% of all dry edible beans nationwide. But North Dakota isn’t the only northern state to crack the top 5! Minnesota is a growing state for dry edible bean production, and was the 4th high producing state last year, growing 9% of all dry edible beans in the U.S. However, state production hasn’t been the only increase these beans have seen in the last few years. Dry edible beans have also been heavily consumed, as they are a good source of fiber and nutrition.
Great Northern Beans
As food product, dry edible beans are an important source of protein and nutrients. These beans provide some of the highest protein levels available among plants, and are a great source for meeting daily needs. But that isn’t the only nutritional value they offer. Dry edible beans also provide a daily source of fiber and carbs! Soluble dietary fiber in them averages 20%, depending on the variety. It should be noted that all of this nutrition comes in in many different packages, just like the different types of dry edible beans. Many varieties are available for food products in dry, pre-cooked, canned, and frozen forms.
But form is not the only variation in dry edible beans. There are many types of dry edible beans grown across the northern region. Our soil and climate allow farmers to grow navy, pinto, and kidney beans. Other dry edible beans commonly grown in the northern region are black turtle beans, small red beans, and cranberry beans.
These are a few examples of the types of dry edible beans are grown and used in the northern region. This staple of the northern states provides a diverse portfolio of uses and products. To read other articles Exploring the Crops of the Northern Region click here.